COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ASTRONOMY
(AST)
1013 Introduction to Astronomy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: MAT 1023
A descriptive course including the development of astronomy, its methods, and
the motions, laws, and evolution of the solar system. Topics include general properties
and types of stars, unusual stellar objects such as quasars and black holes, galaxies,
evolution, and cosmology. Occasional evening viewing sessions are held. May apply
toward the Level II Core Curriculum requirement in science. [TCCN: PHYS 1311.]
1031 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory
(1-2) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: AST 1013, or concurrent enrollment in AST 1013,
or consent of instructor.
Exercises in the use of the telescope and certain other astronomical instruments,
including simple observations, measurement, and photography. [TCCN: PHYS 1111.]
1033 Exploration of the Solar System
(3-0) 3 hours credit, Prerequisite: MAT 1023.
A descriptive course of modern studies of the solar system, including a survey
of the properties of the planets and smaller bodies (asteroids and comets) and
current theories of the origin of planetary systems. Topics include results from
the latest satellite, robotic, and human exploration of space, origin of life
in the solar system, existence f other planetary system, possibilities of space
colonization, and the search for extraterrestrial life (techniques and possibilities
of communication with other intelligences). May apply toward the Level II Core
Curriculum requirement in science. [TCCN: PHYS 1312.]